Nigeria’s Super Eagles recorded a major rise in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking released on Monday, climbing 12 places to 26th globally and third on the continent.
The big leap comes on the heels of their strong showing at the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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The January 2026 rankings reflect the impact of the continental tournament, where Nigeria finished third, and place the Super Eagles among the biggest movers worldwide.
The new position represents Nigeria’s highest ranking in almost a decade.
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The Super Eagles’ rise was driven by an impressive AFCON campaign that included victories over top African sides and a third-place finish behind Senegal and hosts Morocco, who contested the final.
While Nigeria made significant gains, Senegal, which won the tournament, climbed seven places to 12th in the world, their highest ranking ever.
Morocco, despite losing the final, rose three spots to eighth, returning to the global top 10 for the first time since 1998 and setting a new national record.
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Nigeria were not the only African team to benefit from AFCON. Algeria moved up six places to 28th, Egypt climbed to 31st, Côte d’Ivoire rose to 37th, and DR Congo advanced eight places to 48th.
Cameroon, which reached the quarter-finals, also surged 12 places to 45th.
READ ALSO: How Super Eagles won AFCON bronze –Eric Chelle
At the top of the global standings, Spain retained first place, ahead of world champions Argentina and France in second and third positions.
Croatia dropped out of the top 10 following Morocco’s rise, while Belgium and Germany each slipped one place.
The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be released on 1 April 2026.
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